Photo’s by David Cooper

Pictured: Slider: Michael Therriault and Kristi Frank, Above – Jeremiah Sparks, Sherry Flett, Donna Belleville and Ric Reid

Me and My Girl is a musical that pokes fun at both the lower and upper classes of the late 1930’s England. Written by L. Arthur Rose, the musical production showing at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a classic tale of pauper turns prince. With a delightful musical score, large choreographed dance numbers and a great deal of laughs My Girl will give theatre goers great value for their money.

Set in the countryside just outside of London near Lambeth, the 14^th Earl of Hareford has passed, his estate, money and title are to be willed to Jacqueline (played by Elodie Gillett) daughter of the Duchess of Dene (played by Sherry Flett), that is, in the absence of a male heir.  Jacqueline and her fiancé, Gerald are broke and can’t wait to get their hands on the Earls money. 

Those plans are soon derailed by Bill Snibson, a cockney never do well from the streets of Lambeth, and a direct descendent to the Earl.  The news sends Jacqueline and Gerald’s plans into a tailspin and Jacqueline quickly breaks it off with Gerald to pursue Bill. “Biwl”, as he pronounces it, is played by Michael Therriault who is best known for his work at the Stratford Festival, and such roles as Golum in Lord of the Rings in West London Theatre (which I saw in 2008).  Therriault is perfectly cast as the unwilling ‘bloke’ who is thrust into a world of refinery and who really doesn’t give a ‘toss’ about any of it.  He is crazy about “his girl” Sally (played by Kristi Frank) a fishmonger who is as equally out of place as Bill.

The first act is filled with ten musical numbers and will feed the soul for the lover of classic musicals.  The dance numbers are well choreographed by Parker Esse whose credits at the Shaw include Sweet Charity and Guys and Dolls.  The second half delivers most of the laughs and its brevity saved the entire show for me despite the impeccable delivery by the cast and crew.

Directed by Ashlie Corcoran, Me and My Girl is everything a musical should be.  The music, written by Noel Gay, a popular composer in the 1920’s & 1930’s British Theatre is masterfully interpreted by conductor Paul Sportelli who nailed it last year with Shaw’s performance of Sweeny Todd.  The most notable musical production of the show is “The Lambeth Walk” which was easily recognizable and delivers a climatic end to act one.

The set design from Drew Facey features a versatile duo staircase to showcase the multitude of dance numbers perfectly used in a variety of positions.  The massive prop transitions easily from scene to scene that ranges from groomed country gardens to the inside of the Earl’s estate.

New Artistic Director Tim Carroll’s touch is apparent in the opening dialogue shared with audience and cast member Elodie Gillett as she questions the audience about their Shaw experience or lack of it.  It is a nice personal touch and brings audience and actor closer.  

In short – for the musical theatre lover Me and My Girl is a home run for Shaw now in it’s 55^th season.  My Girl runs from April 5 - October 15 and tickets can be found for as little as $35.00 and can be purchased by visiting www.shawfest.com

By Jenifer Cass